Chanticleers Bounce Back to Win Game Two Against College of Charleston

MOUNT PLEASANT - The Coastal Carolina softball team came back from dropping game one against the College of Charleston to take game two 2-0 in extra innings on Wednesday. The Chants are 23-9 after splitting the series against the Cougars.

Coastal struggled during the first inning, as they went three and out offensively before giving up two runs in the bottom of the inning.

College of Charleston went ahead 3-0 in the second inning after Ashton Jarrett crossed home plate during Lizzy Vaugh's at bat.

The Cougars built up a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when Chloe Fletcher and Jarrett scored on a double by Vaughn.

Chelsea Pineda got the Chanticleers' first on-base, as she was walked during the top of the sixth inning. Kelsey McNaughton, who was pinch running for the Chants, advanced to second when Jessie Winans was walked during the next at bat. Brooke Donovan then reached first on an error by the Cougars, but McNaughton was out at third base for the second out. College of Charleston picked up the third out during Jazmin Daigle's at bat.

Heading into the seventh inning Sarah Maples earned the Chanticleers' first hit of the game, hitting the ball into right center field. College of Charleston picked up three outs during the next three at bats to take the game 5-0.

Kiana Quolas earned the loss in the circle for the Chanticleers after pitching six innings, striking out two, walking one and allowing 12 hits in 31 batters faced.

Stephanie Saylors pitched a complete game for the Cougars, striking out 10, walking two and allowing one hit in 24 batters faced.

During the second game, Maples recorded her second hit of the day, as she made it to first on a single up the middle with two outs. Kory Hayden lined out during the Chanticleers' next at bat to take it to the bottom of the inning where Coastal Carolina did not allow a hit.

The Cougars posted their first hit of the game in the bottom of the second inning when Allison Pedigo doubled to right center field with two outs. College of Charleston was unable to connect during the next at bat, as Ashley Bagwell struck out Mackenzie Maples.

Sara Rasley earned a single up the middle in the top of the third. Brooke Donovan reached first on a fielder's choice, as Rasley was out at second for the second out for Coastal in the inning. College of Charleston was able to pick up the third out before Coastal was able to get another player on base.

Hayden posted her ninth home run of the season in the top of the fourth inning, knocking the ball out of left field to put Coastal ahead 1-0. Hayden is a home run shy of tying Carla Hood, Sherry Johnson and Holly Lee for ninth in home runs on the Coastal Carolina single season records list.

Coastal held the Cougars to just one hit over the next two and a half innings to hold onto the 1-0 lead.

College of Charleston held the Chanticleers hitless in the top of the seventh inning, as they tied the game during the bottom of the inning, as Chloe Fletcher advanced home on a single up the middle by Maples.

The game moved into extra innings and both teams went three and out during the eighth inning.

Daigle hit a double to left center field and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Maples in the top of the ninth. During the Chanticleers third at bat Daigle advanced home, as Hayden flied out to right field.

Kelsey Hodgson reached base on a walk in the bottom of the ninth. Amanda Lonergan bunted during the next at bat and Katie O'Brien, who was pinch running for Hodgson, was out at second. College of Charleston bunted again during the next at bat and the Chanticleers picked up the second out getting Kristy Giragosian out at first. Coastal picked up the win after Allison Pedigo grounded out to the shortstop.

Hayden finished the game with one hit, two RBI and one run in three at bats. Rasley posted two hits in three at bats and Daigle posted one hit and one run in four at bats. Chelsea Pineda tallied 10 putouts.

Ashley Bagwell earned the win for Coastal in the circle after pitching 10.0 innings, in which she struck out 10, walked two and allowed four hits in 33 batters faced.

Hope Klicker pitched nine innings, striking out three, not allowing a walk and giving up six hits.

"I was very disappointed with our effort and performance in game one. Our defense made many uncharacteristic errors, both mental and physical," said head coach Kelley Green.

"I thought we did a good job bouncing back in game two to collect the win in extra innings. Bagwell pitched a great game and really stepped up when we needed her to."

The Chanticleers return to action this weekend when they start Big South Conference play on Saturday, March 24 against Presbyterian in a doubleheader in Clinton, S.C. The first game is set for 1 p.m.